System and method for harvesting energy for an electronic device, and a tire configured for use with the same

ABSTRACT

A system for powering an electronic device within a tire is provided, the system comprising: a generator electrically connected to an electrically conductive wheel, the tire being mounted upon the wheel; the tire including bead portions, sidewalls, shoulders, a tread oriented in a trend region, an inner surface, and a metallic cord oriented within an interior of the tire; at least one conductive element extending from a bead portion and piercing into the interior of the tire and electrically connecting to the metallic cord; at least one electronic device within the vehicle tire; and at least one ground path extending through a thickness of the vehicle tire from the inner surface to an exterior surface in a contact patch of the tread; and wherein the at least one electronic device is electrically connected to the metallic cord and the at least one ground path.

BACKGROUND

It has become increasingly common to place electronic sensors, and otherelectronic devices, within vehicle tires and wheels. For example, thesemay include sensors to monitor tire pressure, tire temperature, thepresence of a foreign object, or the like. Providing electric power tothese electronic sensors and devices is often difficult. First,batteries within the tire/wheel configured to power these objectstypically have a shorter-than-desired life, or are too large and heavyto be practically installed within the tire/wheel. Second, it isdifficult to run wires from a power source external to the tire andwheel assembly because the tire and wheel assembly rotates relative tothe vehicle, and the tire requires an air-tight seal with the wheel tomaintain inflation pressure within the tire.

However, many vehicles, including hybrid and electric vehicles, generatepower at or near the wheels of the vehicle. At least a portion of thisgenerated power may be directed to the aforementioned electronic sensorsor other electronic devices within the tire. One example of such powergeneration is the regenerative braking within vehicles to capture energywhile decelerating. Typically, these vehicles utilize some of the powergenerated in regenerative braking to charge the vehicle batteries, butnot all of the energy can be used to charge the batteries due to limitsto the rate of charging the batteries. As a result, the energy generatedvia regenerative braking that exceeds the charging rate of the vehicle'sbattery is often bled off through large resistors, and thus wasted.Rather than waste this excess energy, one may be able to harness it anddirect it to the aforementioned electronic sensors or other electronicdevices contained within the vehicle's wheel or tire.

What is needed is a system and method for directing energy (excess orotherwise) to an electronic sensor or other electronic device containedwithin the vehicle's wheel or tire.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system for powering an electronic device within avehicle tire is provided, the system comprising: an electrical energygenerator electrically connected to an electrically conductive vehiclewheel, the vehicle tire being mounted upon the vehicle wheel; thevehicle tire including a pair of bead portions, a pair of sidewalls, apair of shoulders, a tread oriented in a tread region, an inner surface,and a metallic cord oriented within an interior of the tire; at leastone conductive element extending from at least one of the pair of beadportions and piercing into the interior of the tire and electricallyconnecting to the metallic cord; at least one electronic device withinthe vehicle tire; and at least one ground path extending through athickness of the vehicle tire from the inner surface to an exteriorsurface in a contact patch of the tread; and wherein the at least oneelectronic device is electrically connected to the metallic cord and theat least one ground path.

In one embodiment, a vehicle tire with an electronic device oriented onits inner surface is provided, the tire comprising: a pair of beadportions, a pair of sidewalls, a pair of shoulders, a tread oriented ina tread region, an inner surface, and a metallic cord oriented within aninterior of the tire; at least one conductive element extending from atleast one of the pair of bead portions and piercing into the interior ofthe tire and electrically connecting to the metallic cord; at least oneelectronic device within the vehicle tire; and at least one ground pathextending through a thickness of the vehicle tire from the inner surfaceto an exterior surface in a contact patch of the tread; and wherein theat least one electronic device is electrically connected to the metalliccord and the at least one ground path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various example embodiments, andare used merely to illustrate various example embodiments. In thefigures, like elements bear like reference numerals.

FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic showing a flow of energy in a system 100for harvesting energy for an electronic device 112, including a wheelhub 104.

FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic showing a flow of energy in a system 100for harvesting energy for an electronic device 112.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a system 200 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 208.

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of system 200 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in tire 208.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of a system 300 for harvesting energy foran electronic device in a tire 308.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of a system 400 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 408.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of a system 500 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 508.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of a system 600 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 608.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of a system 700 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 708.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of a system 800 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 808.

FIG. 9 illustrates an elevational view of a wheel 906 having a pair ofrim lips 934.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial perspective view of a wheel 1006 having apair of rim lips 1034, at least one including a conductive area 1036.

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial perspective view of a wheel 1106 having apair of rim lips 1134, at least one including a conductive area 1136.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of a wheel 1206 having apair of rim lips 1234, at least one including a conductive area 1236.

FIG. 13 illustrates a plan view of a conductive area 1336 sealed by aconductive cover 1338.

FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of a conductive area 1436 sealed by anon-conductive cover 1440, and a conductor 1441 oriented therebetween.

FIG. 15 illustrates a sectional view of a tire 1508 engaging a rim lip1534 of a wheel.

FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional schematic view of a system 1600 forharvesting energy for an electronic device 1612 in a tire 1608.

FIG. 17 illustrates a sectional view of a system 1700 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 1708.

FIG. 18 illustrates a sectional view of a tire 1808.

FIG. 19 illustrates a sectional view of a tire 1908 having a conductiveelement 1942 applied to an inner surface 1954 of tire 1908.

FIG. 20 illustrates a sectional view of a system 2000 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device 2012 in a tire 2008.

FIG. 21 illustrates an elevational view of a system 2100 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device 2112 in a tire 2108.

FIG. 22 illustrates an elevational view of a system 2200 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device 2212 in a tire 2208.

FIG. 23 illustrates a sectional view of a system 2300 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device 2312 in a tire 2308.

FIG. 24 illustrates a sectional view of a system 2400 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device 2412 in a tire 2408.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a schematic showing a flow of energy in asystem 100 for harvesting energy for an electronic device 112. System100 includes an electrical energy generator 102.

Generator 102 may be any device capable of converting mechanical energyinto electrical energy. Generator 102 may be a regenerative brakingmotor, which may essentially be a DC motor that creates resistance torotating its motor shaft when run in reverse (during braking), whichreverse rotation generates electrical power in the motor. Generator 102may include a coil and a magnet, one of which is oriented on a wheel hub104, wheel 106, or tire 108 as further described below. By rotating orotherwise moving an electric coil relative to a magnet, an electricalcurrent may be created in the coil, which current may be directed to anelectrical device or electrical storage component.

Generator 102 may be operatively connected to wheel hub 104 (see FIG.1A). Wheel hub 104 may be an assembly, including a hub unit and hubbearing, which for ease of reference herein is collectively referred toas a wheel hub.

It should be understood that a wheel hub 104 for a drive wheel may bedifferent from a non-drive wheel. That is, a wheel hub for a drive wheelmay be configured to bolt to the wheel on one end, and attach to the endof an axle on the other end, with the axle and the wheel rotatingtogether with a 1:1 ratio. A bearing may be oriented on the wheel huband connected to a holding bracket on a vehicle chassis, which fixes thewheel to the chassis to maintain the wheel within its desired motionconstraints. Where generator 102 is a regenerative breaking motor, thatwheel is likely a drive wheel and the axle may be a motor shaft (in thecase of a direct drive system) or an output shaft of a transmission (inthe case of a gear drive system).

On the other hand, a wheel hub for a non-drive wheel may attach to awheel on one side, but may not attach to a drive axle. Rather, the wheelhub may attach to a generator configured to generate electricity by therotation of the wheel, or be operatively connected to a device thatgenerates electricity (for example, a wheel hub may include a coil ormagnet that rotates or otherwise moves relative to a correspondingmagnet or coil fixed in a stationary position on the vehicle chassis orbody adjacent thereto). For a non-drive wheel, a bearing in the wheelhub may be connected to a holding bracket on a vehicle chassis asdescribed above.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, a generator including a coiland magnet rotating or otherwise moving relative to one another, may befixed directly to the wheel 106 in order to generate electricity to bepassed directly into wheel 106.

In both FIGS. 1A and 1B, system 100 directs a flow of current throughvehicle components. That is, electricity is generated in generator 102,directed into hub 104, and then into wheel 106 (FIG. 1A). Alternatively,electricity is generated in generator 102, and directed directly intowheel 106, bypassing hub 104 (FIG. 1B). In either version of system 100,the components shown in system 100 are electrically conductive or havebeen modified to be electrically conductive. That is, hub 104 ismetallic and via its interface with the vehicle's axle and the vehicle'swheel, electricity can be passed through hub 104 into wheel 106. Wheel106 is likewise metallic, and as such, electricity can be passed throughwheel 106 into a tire 108. Tires are typically formed from a pluralityof materials, much of which is a rubber and often electricallyinsulative. However, as described further below, tire 108 can bemodified to permit the passage of electrical current through or alongtire 108. The electrical current, having been passed from generator 102and ultimately through wheel 106 (whether through or around hub 104) andthrough or along a portion of tire 108, is directed to an electricitystorage device 110.

The electricity of the current may be stored in electricity storagedevice 110. As electricity storage device 110 has a regular source ofelectrical current to maintain or restore its power capacity, device 110may be smaller and lighter than an electricity storage device utilizedin systems that do not provide electrical current to the electricitystorage device, but rather require the electricity storage device tomaintain a power capacity for a longer duration, such as betweenspecified vehicle maintenance intervals.

Storage device 110 may be any of a variety of devices configured tostore electricity until it is desired to be discharged. For example,storage device 110 may be a battery, a capacitor, and the like.

Storage device 110 may be a battery operating at any of a variety ofvoltages as required to power electronic device 112. For example,storage device 110 may be a battery having a voltage between about 3 Vand 5 V. Storage device 110 may be a battery having any of a variety ofstorage capacities as required to power electronic device 112. Forexample, storage device 110 may be a battery having a storage capacityof about 100 mAh.

Storage device 110 may provide electricity to electronic device 112.Electronic device 112 may be any of a variety of electronic devices thatmay be desirable within tire 108. For example, electronic device 112 maybe a sensor to monitor at least one of: tire pressure, tire temperature,the presence of a foreign object in tire 108, or the like. Electronicdevice 112 may have any of a variety of voltage and/or wattagerequirements to operate. For example, electronic device 112 may requirewattage input on the order of 10 s of watts. Electronic device 112 mayrequire wattage input of less than 100 watts. Electronic device 112 mayrequire wattage input of less than 75 watts. Electronic device 112 mayrequire wattage input of less than 50 watts. Electronic device 112 mayrequire wattage input of less than 25 watts.

During charging of storage device 110 with electricity, any excesselectricity that either exceeds the storage limit of storage device 110,or exceeds the charging rate of storage device 110, is directed out oftire 108 to ground 114. Conductive pathways may be included, orutilized, within tire 108 to allow for the flow of electricity asdescribed above, and will be described further below.

System 100 may include one or more resistor within system 100 for thepurpose of reducing the voltage supplied from generator 102 to a desiredvoltage for storage in electricity storage device 110. System 100 mayinclude one or more resistor within system 100 for the purpose ofreducing the voltage supplied from generator 102 to a desired voltagefor use in powering electronic device 112.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a system 200 for harvesting energy for anelectronic device in a tire 208. System 200 may include a wheel hub 204,a wheel 206, and a tire 208. Wheel 206 may include a plurality of lugholes 207. Lug holes 207 may accept lugs (threaded fasteners, not shown)extending between wheel hub 204 and wheel 206, through lug holes 207.The lugs may be secured with lug nuts (not shown), thus removably fixingwheel 206 to wheel hub 204. Where electrical current passes from wheelhub 204 to wheel 206, current may pass through a direct physical contactbetween wheel hub 204 and wheel 206, through the physical contactbetween at least two of wheel hub 204, lugs, lug holes 207, and lugnuts, or both. It should be understood that wheel hub 204 may directlyphysically contact wheel 206. However, one or both of wheel hub 204 andwheel 206 may be coated with a paint or sealer, and thus contact betweenthe two may not permit the flow of electricity (as the coatings aretypically not electrically conductive, and thus electrically insulateone or both of the two). Accordingly, while wheel hub 204 and wheel 206may directly physically contact one another, this contact may not resultin an electrical contact, and electrical contact may take place throughthe physical contact between the lugs, lug holes 207, and lug nuts,which may include uncoated mating surfaces. Alternatively, at least oneof lug holes 207 may be defined by an annular wall that includes aconductive area, similar to 1036, 1136, 1236, 1336, 1436, and 1536described in more detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, tire 208 may contact ground 214. Ground 214may be any surface upon which tire 208 travels which is connected to theearth, including for example, a roadway. Tire 208 will contact ground214 at least in its contact patch (the flat area of a tire created whenthe tire rests upon a surface under loading). Thus, as described furtherbelow, a ground path in tire 208 will be oriented in a portion of thetire's tread that is oriented in the contact patch of tire 208.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 for harvesting energy for an electronicdevice in a tire 308. System 300 may include a generator 302 in the formof an electric motor driving axles 316. The electric motor may be a DCmotor, which, when run in reverse during braking, acts as a generator.Axles 316 may connect to wheel hubs 304. Wheel hubs 304 connect towheels 306, upon which tires 308 are mounted. Axles 316, hubs 304, andwheels 306 are metallic and electrically conductive. As such,electricity generated by generator 302 may be fed into axles 316, andtravel through hubs 304 and into wheels 306. From wheels 306, theelectricity may travel through conductive elements and/or conductivemetallic belts in tires 308 to an electricity storage device and/orelectronic device oriented within tire 308. Thus, a conductive pathwayexists from generator 302 to an electricity storage device and/orelectronic device contained within tire 308. Generator 302, axles 316,wheel hub 304, and wheels 306, may be electrically isolated from othercomponents of the vehicle or ground. Tire 308 may be electricallyconnected to ground, and otherwise electrically isolated with theexception of tire 308's electrical connection to wheels 306. In thismanner, an electrical circuit is created through the aforementionedcomponents from generator 302 to ground (e.g., 114, 214), thus allowingan electrical current to pass through the circuit.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of a system 400 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 408. The system includes awheel 406 upon which tire 408 is mounted, wheel 406 being operativelyconnected to an axle 416. A generator 418 may be operatively connectedto wheel 406. Generator 418 may be rotationally connected to wheel 406.Generator 418 may generate electricity by rotation of generator 418,rotation of wheel 406, or both relative to one another. For example,generator 418 may have a central shaft (not shown) about which ismounted an eccentric mass, such that as wheel 406 rotates, the eccentricmass rotates. Generator 418 may include a magnet or a coil attached tothe central shaft, the eccentric mass, or wheel 406, such that one ofthe coil and magnet rotates with the eccentric mass, while the other ofthe coil and the magnet does not rotate with the eccentric mass. Theresult may be the generation of electricity within generator 418. Thiselectricity may be fed through wheel 406 and into tire 408 to powerelectricity storage devices and electrical devices, as described furtherbelow.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of a system 500 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 508. The system includes awheel 506 upon which tire 508 is mounted, wheel 506 being operativelyconnected to an axle 516.

A generator 520 may be operatively connected to wheel 506 through awheel hub 504. Generator 520 may be rotationally isolated from wheel506, such that generator 520 does not rotate while wheel 506 rotates.Generator 520 may include a coil.

A magnet 522 may be connected to wheel 506, and rotate with wheel 506about generator 520, thus generating an electrical current through acoil contained within generator 520. This electricity may be fed throughwheel hub 504 to wheel 506 and into tire 508 to power electricitystorage devices and electrical devices, as described further below.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of a system 600 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 608. The system includes awheel 606 upon which tire 608 is mounted, wheel 606 being operativelyconnected to an axle 616 via a wheel hub 604.

A generator 624 may be operatively connected to wheel 606 through axle616's engagement of a wheel hub 604. Generator 624 may be a DC electricmotor, which when run in reverse during regenerative braking, creates anelectric current. This electricity may be fed through axle 616, to wheelhub 604, to wheel 606, and into tire 608 to power electricity storagedevices and electrical devices, as described further below.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of a system 700 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 708. The system includes awheel 706 upon which tire 708 is mounted, wheel 706 being operativelyconnected to an axle 716 via a wheel hub 704.

A generator (not shown) may be operatively connected to wheel 706through axle 716. The generator may be a DC electric motor, which whenrun in reverse during regenerative braking, creates an electric current.This electricity may be fed into a current sending element 726, which iselectrically connected to a current receiving element 728 of wheel 706through a brush 730. Current sending element 726 may be connected to thevehicle body, chassis, or an otherwise stationary and non-rotatingobject on the vehicle. Current receiving element 728 may be an integral,annular, raised portion of wheel 706. Current receiving element 728 maybe an annulus connected to wheel 706, physically, electrically, or both.Both current sending element 726 and current receiving element 728 areelectrically conductive. Brush 730 is electrically conductive. Brush 730may be connected to current sending element 726 and may slide, roll, orotherwise translate along a surface of current receiving element 728.

As current receiving element 728 is connected to wheel 706, currentreceiving element 728 rotates with wheel 706. Current sending element726 may be stationary, and may be attached to the vehicle chassis. Thus,current receiving element 728 rotates relative to current sendingelement 726, and brush 730 provides an electrically conductiveconnection between these elements even when one rotates relative to theother.

Accordingly, electricity may be fed through current sending element 726,through brush 730 to current receiving element 728, to wheel 706, andinto tire 708 to power electricity storage devices and electricaldevices, as described further below.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of a system 800 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 808. The system includes awheel 806 upon which tire 808 is mounted, wheel 806 being operativelyconnected to an axle 816 via a wheel hub 804.

A generator (not shown) may be operatively connected to wheel 806through axle 816. The generator may be a DC electric motor, which whenrun in reverse during regenerative braking, creates an electric current.This electricity may be fed into a current sending element 826, which iselectrically connected to a current receiving element 828 of wheel 806through a brush 830. Current sending element 826 may be connected towheel hub 804, and may be rotationally stationary relative to wheel 806and current receiving element 828. Current receiving element 828 may bean integral, annular, raised portion of wheel 806. Current receivingelement 828 may be connected to wheel 806, physically, electrically, orboth. Both current sending element 826 and current receiving element 828are electrically conductive. Brush 830 is electrically conductive. Brush830 may be connected to current sending element 826 and may slide, roll,or otherwise translate along a surface of current receiving element 828.Alternatively, brush 830 may be connected to current receiving element828 and may slide, roll, or otherwise translate along a surface ofcurrent sending element 826.

As current receiving element 828 is connected to wheel 806, currentreceiving element 828 rotates with wheel 806. Current sending element826 may be stationary, and may be attached to wheel hub 804. Thus,current receiving element 828 rotates relative to current sendingelement 826, and brush 830 provides an electrically conductiveconnection between these elements even when one rotates relative to theother.

Accordingly, electricity may be fed through current sending element 826,through brush 830 to current receiving element 828, to wheel 806, andinto tire 808 to power electricity storage devices and electricaldevices, as described further below.

FIG. 9 illustrates a wheel 906 having a pair of rim lips 934 on theaxially outer edges of a barrel 932. Wheel 906 may be made from anelectrically conductive material, including for example aluminum orsteel. Additionally, wheel 906 may be coated in an electricallyconductive material, such as chrome plating. Where wheel 906 is madefrom an uncoated electrically conductive material, or coated in anelectrically conductive material, wheel 906 may transmit an electriccurrent therethrough from a hub, axle, or directly from a generator, asdescribed above. This current may be conducted into a tire throughconductive elements and/or conductive metallic belts, as furtherdescribed below.

FIG. 10 illustrates a wheel 1006 having a pair of rim lips 1034 on theaxially outer edges of a barrel 1032. At least one of the rim lips 1034includes a conductive area 1036.

Often, wheels such as wheel 1006 may be coated in a paint or othercoatings that are non-conductive. These coatings are primarily intendedto preserve wheel 1006 and protect it from the elements to avoidcorrosion and/or oxidation, simplify cleaning of the wheel, and thelike. In such a case, electricity may not be able to pass into wheel1006 as readily as it would wheel 906, as the coating may electricallyinsulate wheel 1006.

Typically, the process of mounting wheel 1006 on a vehicle, whichincludes inserting lugs from the wheel hub into the lug holes (such aslug holes 207 described above) of wheel 1006 and thereafter applying lugnuts to the lugs, rubs or scratches and removes the coating in the areaof the lug holes enough to allow an electrical current to pass intowheel 1006 from the wheel hub at that point. This is due to the highpressure metal-on-metal contact involved in bolting wheel 1006 to thewheel hub. However, in mounting the tire to wheel 1006, the tire doesnot rub or scratch the coating from rip lips 1034 enough to allow anelectrical coating to pass from wheel 1006 into the tire at that point.

When mounting a tire to wheel 1006, the bead of the tire, and morespecifically the bead seat and bead heel, engage rim lips 1034. Theinflation pressure of the tire drives the beads axially outward intocontact with rim lips 1034, while the bead wire within the tire beadlimits the diameter of the bead, causing the tire to fit tightly againstrim lips 1034.

In order to ensure that conductive elements oriented in the bead seatand/or bead heel region of the tire are able to make electrical contactwith an uncoated portion of wheel 1006, at least one rim lip 1034 mayinclude a partially-circumferential or completely-circumferentialconductive area 1036. Conductive area 1036 may be an area where anon-conductive coating of wheel 1006 has been removed from rim lip 1034.Optionally, a conductive coating may be placed over the portion of rimlip 1034 in which the non-conductive coating was removed, to aid incorrosion and oxidation resistance in wheel 1006. The conductive coatingmay include a paint or grease having increased conductivity via theintroduction of conductive elements, such as metallic flake or carbonelements.

Wheel 1006 may be used with a tire having a conductive element that isoriented at a single point circumferentially on the tire, such asconductive element 2142 of tire 2100, described further below. Whereconductive area 1036 is completely circumferential about wheel 1006, theangular alignment of a tire relative to wheel 1006 is not important, asconductive element 2142 will contact conductive area 1036 regardless ofthe angular alignment.

Where conductive area 1036 is partially circumferential about wheel1006, the angular alignment of a tire relative to wheel 1006 must beproperly oriented, as conductive element 2142 will contact conductivearea 1036 only in a specific angular alignment, or range of angularalignment corresponding to the circumferential length of the partiallycircumferential conductive area 1036. In such an embodiment, tire 2100and wheel 1006 may have markings or other indicators that may beidentified by an individual installing tire 2100 on wheel 1006 tofacilitate proper angular alignment of tire 2100 on wheel 1006 to ensurecontact between conductive element 2142 with conductive area 1036.

Similarly, where wheel 1006 only include a conductive area 1036 on oneof its rim lips 1034, wheel 1006 may include a marking or otherindicator on wheel 1006 to enable an individual installing a tire onwheel 1006 to determine which rim lip 1034 contains conductive area1036. A tire, such as tire 2100, may include a conductive element 2142on only one side of tire 2100, and thus may include a similar marking orindicator to enable an individual installing tire 2100 on a wheel tomatch the conductive sides of the tire and wheel to ensure contactbetween the conductive element and the conductive area, and as a result,that a conductive pathway is formed.

Wheel 1006 may be used with a tire having a conductive element that isoriented completely circumferentially about the tire, such as conductiveelement 2242 of tire 2200, described further below. That is, whetherconductive area 1036 is partially or completely circumferential, thecompletely circumferential conductive element 2242 will make contactwith the conductive area regardless of angular alignment, assuming thatconducive element 2242 and conductive area 1036 are oriented on the sameside of the tire and wheel assembly. Tire 2200 and wheel 1006 mayinclude markings or indicators to illustrate which side (if only one) oftire 2200 and wheel 1006 include the conductive features, such that anindividual installing the tire on the wheel may ensure properorientation thereof.

FIG. 11 illustrates a wheel 1106 having a pair of rim lips 1134, atleast one including at least one conductive area 1136. Conductive area1136 may be similar to conductive area 1036 of wheel 1006, and may beused and formed in the same manner. Specifically, conductive area 1136may be an area of rim lip 1134 where a non-conductive insulative coatingor paint has been removed.

Conductive area 1136 may be oriented at a single circumferential pointon rim lip 1134. Conductive area 1136 may be oriented at a plurality ofcircumferential points on rim lip 1134.

Wheel 1106 may be used with a tire having a conductive element that isoriented at a single point circumferentially on the tire, such asconductive element 2142 of tire 2100, described further below. In thisuse, the angular alignment of a tire relative to wheel 1106 must beproperly oriented, as conductive element 2142 will contact conductivearea 1136 only in a specific angular alignment, or range of angularalignment corresponding to the circumferential length of the partiallycircumferential conductive area 1136. In such an embodiment, tire 2100and wheel 1106 may have markings or other indicators that may beidentified by an individual installing tire 2100 on wheel 1106 tofacilitate proper angular alignment of tire 2100 on wheel 1106 to ensurecontact between conductive element 2142 with conductive area 1136.

Similarly, where wheel 1106 only include a conductive area 1136 on oneof its rim lips 1134, wheel 1106 may include a marking or otherindicator on wheel 1106 to enable an individual installing a tire onwheel 1106 to determine which rim lip 1134 contains conductive area1136. A tire, such as tire 2100, may include a conductive element 2142on only one side of tire 2100, and thus may include a similar marking orindicator to enable an individual installing tire 2100 on a wheel tomatch the conductive sides of the tire and wheel to ensure contactbetween the conductive element and the conductive area, and as a result,that a conductive pathway is formed.

Wheel 1106 may be used with a tire having a conductive element that isoriented completely circumferentially about the tire, such as conductiveelement 2242 of tire 2200, described further below. The completelycircumferential conductive element 2242 will make contact withconductive area 1136 regardless of angular alignment, assuming thatconducive element 2242 and conductive area 1136 are oriented on the sameside of the tire and wheel assembly. Tire 2200 and wheel 1106 mayinclude markings or indicators to illustrate which side (if only one) oftire 2200 and wheel 1106 include the conductive features, such that anindividual installing the tire on the wheel may ensure properorientation thereof.

FIG. 12 illustrates a wheel 1206 having a pair of rim lips 1234, atleast one including at least one conductive area 1236. Conductive area1236 may be similar to conductive area 1036 of wheel 1006, and may beused and formed in the same manner. Specifically, conductive area 1236may be an area of rim lip 1234 where a non-conductive insulative coatingor paint has been removed. In order to avoid or mitigate corrosion oroxidation at the site of removal of the non-conductive coating or paint,a conductive coating 1238 may be placed as a cap over conductive area1236. Conductive coating 1238 may completely cover conductive area 1236and act to seal conductive area 1236 from the elements, moisture, air,or the like, which may cause corrosion or oxidation. Conductive coating1238 may include a paint or grease having increased conductivity via theintroduction of conductive elements, such as metallic flake or carbonelements.

FIG. 13 illustrates a conductive area 1336 sealed by a conductive cover1338. As described with respect to FIG. 12, conductive area 1336 may bean where a non-conductive insulative coating or paint has been removed.Conductive cover 1338 may act to cap conductive area 1336 and sealconductive area 1336 from the elements, moisture, air, or the like,which may cause corrosion or oxidation. Conductive coating 1338 mayinclude a paint or grease having increased conductivity via theintroduction of conductive elements, such as metallic flake or carbonelements.

FIG. 14 illustrates a conductive area 1436 sealed by a non-conductivecover 1440, and a conductor 1441 oriented therebetween. Conductive area1436 may be substantially similar to conductive areas 1136, 1236, and1336 described above.

Non-conductive cover 1440 may be any of a variety of materials that actto cap conductive area 1436 and seal conductive area 1436 from theelements, moisture, air, or the like, which may cause corrosion oroxidation.

Conductor 1441 may include a distal, wheel contact end 1441A, and aproximal tire contact end 1441B. Wheel contact end 1441A may be orientedin physical and/or electrical contact with conductive area 1436,sandwiched between the wheel and non-conductive cover 1440. Tire contactend 1441B may be a portion of conductor 1441 that extends outside of theunion of the wheel and non-conductive cover 1440, and which may foldover non-conductive cover 1440. In this manner, tire contact end 1441Bmay extend outside of non-conductive cover 1440 and be oriented inphysical and/or electrical contact with a tire (not shown). It should beunderstood that conductor 1441 is a continuous electrically conductiveelement, such that wheel contact end 1441A and tire contact end 1441Bare electrically connected to one another. Conductor 1441 may be ametallic strip of material that includes electrically conductiveproperties.

FIG. 15 illustrates a tire 1508 engaging a rim lip 1534 of a wheel 1506.Wheel 1506 may include at least one rim lip 1534 having at least oneconductive area 1536.

Tire 1508 includes a bead portion 1548, including a bead seat 1548A anda bead heel 1548B. As illustrated, bead seat 1548A is oriented on aradially inner part of bead portion 1548, whereas bead heel 1548B isoriented on an axially outer part of bead portion 1548. Bead seat 1548Aand bead heel 1548B are the primary contact points between tire 1508 andwheel 1506 (these elements have been illustrated with small gaps to morereadily indicate the orientations and differentiation between theelements, but it is noted that in practice these elements would befirmly connected to one another and likely under a large degree ofpressure).

Tire 1508 includes a conductive element 1542 extending from at least oneof bead seat 1548A and bead heel 1548B, and along at least a portion ofan inner surface 1554 of a tire sidewall 1550. While only one side oftire 1508 and thus only one bead portion 1548 is illustrated, it isunderstood that tire 1508 has two bead portions 1548, and both beadportions 1548, including at least one of both bead seats 1548A and bothbead heels 1548B may include conductive elements 1542 as described.

Conductive element 1542 may be made up of any of a variety of materialscapable of conducting electricity, including, for example, a metal, or apolymer or rubber having high carbon content. Conductive element 1542may use an electrical wire capable of carrying a current. Conductiveelement 1542 may use a conductive rubber material commonly referred toas “antenna” in tire technology.

Conductive element 1542 may be integrally incorporated into tire 1508.Conductive element 1542 may be laminated with inner surface 1554 via anadhesive or other fastening mechanism.

In one aspect, conductive element 1542 is a conductive pathway made upof conductive rubber material, similar to or the same as “antenna”material used in a tire's tread to pass electricity, including staticelectricity, from a tire. In one aspect, the antenna is oriented insideof tire 1508 and axially inward and/or radially inward of inner surface1554. Alternatively, the antenna is oriented between layers of tire 1508(for example, between an innerliner ply, as may be shown in FIG. 23described below).

FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional schematic of a system 1600 forharvesting energy for an electronic device 1612 in a tire 1608. A flowof electrical current is illustrated via lines including arrows. System1600 may include a generator 1602 electrically connected to a wheel hub1604, which may be electrically connected to a wheel 1606.

A tire 1608 may be mounted to wheel 1606, and may be electricallyconnected to wheel 1606. Contact between at least one rim lip 1634 ofwheel 1606 and at least one bead portion 1648 may allow electricity topass from wheel 1606 to tire 1608. Electricity may pass generally fromthe area of at least one bead portion 1648, to at least one sidewall1650, to at least one shoulder 1652, and into a general area of a tread1644.

Oriented at any point within the chamber created by tire 1608'sengagement with wheel 1606, bounded by tire 1608's inner surface 1654,and wheel 1606's barrel 1632, may be oriented at least one electricitystorage device 1610, and at least one electronic device 1612.

One or both of electricity storage device 1610 and electronic device1612 may be connected to inner surface 1654 in the area of tire 1608referred to as the tread region 1655, which includes tread 1644.

One or both of electricity storage device 1610 and electronic device1612 may be oriented radially outwardly of inner surface 1654 andradially inwardly of tread 1644, such that one or both of electricitystorage device 1610 and electronic device 1612 is contained between aninnerliner and a body ply, a body ply and a belt, a belt and a treadgauge, or the like. That is, one or both of electricity storage device1610 and electronic device 1612 may be contained within the thickness oftire 1608 in tread region 1655, rather than within the chamber createdby tire 1608's engagement with wheel 1606, bounded by tire 1608's innersurface 1654, and wheel 1606's barrel 1632.

One or both of electricity storage device 1610 and electronic device1612 may be embedded between any of the contiguous layers of materialthat may make up tire 1608, during the manufacturing of tire 1608, suchlayers including without limitation: an innerliner, a body ply, a beadfiller, a gum strip, a shoulder insert, a belt, a cap ply, a tread, anda sidewall ply. It is understood that tire construction can varygreatly, and that the list above is neither intended to be exhaustive,nor inclusive, of every possible material layer within a tire.

Electricity in excess of that required to power one or more electronicdevice 1612 from electricity storage device 1610 may pass to a ground1614 through a ground path 1646 in tread 1644. Ground path 1646, likethe conductive elements described herein, may be any variety ofmaterials capable of conducting electricity, including antenna. In oneaspect, ground path 1646 is antenna. In operation, tread 1644 of tire1608 contacts ground 1614, and ground path 1646 likewise contacts ground1614 to permit the transmission of electricity to ground 1614. Groundpath 1646 may extend through the entire thickness of tire 1608 in treadregion 1655, from inner surface 1654 to a contact patch of tread 1644 onan exterior surface of tire 1608.

In this manner, a conductive path may be created from generator 1602,all the way to electricity storage device 1610 and electronic device1612, with electrical energy in excess of that required to power anelectronic device 1612 being passed to ground 1614. The ability to passthis excess energy to ground 1614 allows tire 1608 to continue tofunction in a manner such that a vehicle upon which tire 1608 is mountedis grounded, thereby preventing the buildup of electrical energy in thevehicle that may result in sparks, electrical shocks, or other unwantedcharges that may create hazards or discomfort to users of the vehicle.System 1600 utilizes a portion of the electrical energy that wouldotherwise be passed directly to ground 1614 to be stored in at least oneelectricity storage device 1610 and power at least one electronic device1612. System 1600 creates a circuit that allows electricity to flow fromgenerator 1602 to at least one electricity storage device 1610 and powerat least one electronic device 1612.

FIG. 17 illustrates a sectional view of a system 1700 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device in a tire 1708. System 1700 includes awheel hub 1704, a wheel 1706, and a tire 1708. Wheel 1706 includes apair of rim lips 1734, contacting a bead portion 1748 of tire 1708.

Tire 1708 includes a pair of bead portions 1748, a pair of sidewalls1750, a pair of shoulders 1752, and a tread 1744. Tire 1708 includes aninner surface 1754.

System 1700 may include additional components, such as those included insystem 1600, to allow the transfer of electricity from a generator to atleast one electricity storage device and at least one electronic device,as described above.

FIG. 18 illustrates a sectional view of a tire 1808. Similar to tires1608 and 1708, tire 1808 includes a pair of bead portions 1848, a pairof sidewalls 1850, a pair of shoulders 1852, a tread 1844, and an innersurface 1854. Tire 1808 includes a conductive element 1842 that beginsin at least one bead portion 1848, and extends into tire 1808 to aposition where it electrically contacts one or more electricity storagedevice.

FIG. 19 illustrates a sectional view of a tire 1908 having a conductiveelement 1942 applied to an inner surface 1954 of tire 1908. Tire 1908includes a pair of bead portions 1948, a pair of sidewalls 1950, a pairof shoulders 1952, and a tread 1944 that is located in a tread region1955.

Each bead portion 1948 may include a bead seat 1948A and a bead heel1948B. At least one conductive element 1942 may extend from at least onebead portion 1948 along at least one sidewall 1950, along at least oneshoulder 1952, and terminate in tread region 1955. At least oneconductive element 1942 is oriented in contact with inner surface 1954.

In one embodiment, at least one conductive element 1942 extends frombead seat 1948A along inner surface 1954 and terminates in tread region1955. In another embodiment, at least one conductive element 1942extends from bead heel 1948B along inner surface 1954 and terminates intread region 1955.

Inner surface 1954 may be an innerliner, and may include a butyl rubbercompound. Inner surface 1954 may be a body ply. Inner surface 1954 maybe the radially innermost surface of tire 1908 with the exception of atleast one conductive element 1942, which may be oriented radiallyinwardly from inner surface 1954.

FIG. 20 illustrates a sectional view of a system 2000 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device 2012 in a tire 2008.

Tire 2008 includes a pair of bead portions 2048, a pair of sidewalls2050, a pair of shoulders 2052, and a tread 2044 that is located in atread region 2055. Tire 2008 includes an inner surface 2054.

Each bead portion 2048 includes a bead seat 2048A and a bead heel 2048B.One or more conductive element 2042 may extend from one or each beadportion 2048, along one or each sidewall 2050, along one or eachshoulder 2052, and into tread region 2055. The one or more conductiveelement 2042 is oriented upon inner surface 2054. Each of the one ormore conductive elements 2042 may originate at each bead seat 2048A.Each of the one or more conductive elements 2042 may originate at one oreach bead heel 2048B, and extend along one or each bead seat 2048A andalong one or each sidewall 2050, and so on until it reaches tread region2055.

System 2000 may include at least one electricity storage device 2010 andat least one electronic device 2012. The at least one conductive element2042 is electrically connected to at least one electricity storagedevice 2010. At least one electricity storage device 2010 iselectrically connected to at least one electronic device 2012.

Electricity in excess of that required to power one or more electronicdevice 2012 from electricity storage device 2010 may pass to a groundthrough a ground path 2046 in tread 2044. Ground path 2046, like theconductive elements described herein, may be any variety of materialscapable of conducting electricity, including antenna. In one aspect,ground path 2046 is antenna. The ground may be earth, a road surface, orany surface upon which tire 2008 operates that is connected to theearth. In operation, tread 2044 of tire 2008 contacts the ground, andground path 2046 likewise contacts the ground to permit the transmissionof electricity to the ground. Ground path 2046 may extend through theentire thickness of tire 2008 in tread region 2055, from inner surface2054 to a contact patch of tread 2044 on an exterior surface of tire2008.

As illustrated, at least one electricity storage device 2010 may becontained within the at least one electronic device 2012. One or both ofelectricity storage device 2010 and electronic device 2012 may beoriented on inner surface 2054. Alternatively, one or both ofelectricity storage device 2010 and electronic device 2012 may beembedded between any of the contiguous layers of material that may makeup tire 2008, during the manufacturing of tire 2008, such layersincluding without limitation: an innerliner, a body ply, a bead filler,a gum strip, a shoulder insert, a belt, a cap ply, a tread, and asidewall ply. It is understood that tire construction can vary greatly,and that the list above is neither intended to be exhaustive, norinclusive, of every possible material layer within a tire.

FIG. 21 illustrates a system 2100 for harvesting energy for anelectronic device 2112 in a tire 2108.

Tire 2108 includes a pair of bead portions 2148, a pair of sidewalls2150, a pair of shoulders 2152, and a tread 2144.

At least one conductive element 2142 extends from at least one beadportion 2148, along at least one sidewall 2150, along at least oneshoulder 2152, and into a tread region within which tread 2144 isoriented. At least one conductive element 2142 is electrically connectedto at least one electronic device 2112. At least one electronic device2112 may be electrically connected to at least one electricity storagedevice and a ground path 2146. Ground path 2146 extends through tread2144 to provide an electrical path to a ground. In operation, tread 2144of tire 2108 contacts the ground, and ground path 2146 likewise contactsthe ground to permit the transmission of electricity to the ground.Ground path 2146 may extend through the entire thickness of tire 2108 intread region 2155, from inner surface 2154 to a contact patch of tread2144 on an exterior surface of tire 2108.

Conductive element 2142 may be oriented at a specific circumferentialposition in tire 2108. Conductive element 2142 may be acircumferentially short length. Conductive element 2142 may include awire, or other conductive material such as antenna.

Electronic device 2112 may be oriented on an inner surface of tire 2108.Alternatively, electronic device 2112 may be embedded between any of thecontiguous layers of material that may make up tire 2108, during themanufacturing of tire 2108, such layers including without limitation: aninnerliner, a body ply, a bead filler, a gum strip, a shoulder insert, abelt, a cap ply, a tread, and a sidewall ply. It is understood that tireconstruction can vary greatly, and that the list above is neitherintended to be exhaustive, nor inclusive, of every possible materiallayer within a tire.

FIG. 22 illustrates an elevational view of a system 2200 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device 2212 in a tire 2208.

Tire 2208 includes a pair of bead portions 2248, a pair of sidewalls2250, a pair of shoulders 2252, and a tread 2244.

At least one conductive element 2242 extends from at least one beadportion 2248, along at least one sidewall 2250, along at least oneshoulder 2252, and into a tread region within which tread 2244 isoriented. At least one conductive element 2242 is electrically connectedto at least one electronic device 2212. At least one electronic device2212 may be electrically connected to at least one electricity storagedevice and a ground path 2246. Ground path 2246 extends through tread2244 to provide an electrical path to a ground. In operation, tread 2244of tire 2208 contacts the ground, and ground path 2246 likewise contactsthe ground to permit the transmission of electricity to the ground.Ground path 2246 may extend through the entire thickness of tire 2208 intread region 2255, from inner surface 2254 to a contact patch of tread2244 on an exterior surface of tire 2208.

Conductive element 2242 may be oriented completely circumferentially intire 2208. Conductive element 2242 may extend along the entirecircumferential length of tire 2208. Conductive element 2242 may includea wire mesh, or other conductive material such as a sheet of antenna.

Electronic device 2212 may be oriented on an inner surface of tire 2208.Alternatively, electronic device 2212 may be embedded between any of thecontiguous layers of material that may make up tire 2208, during themanufacturing of tire 2208, such layers including without limitation: aninnerliner, a body ply, a bead filler, a gum strip, a shoulder insert, abelt, a cap ply, a tread, and a sidewall ply. It is understood that tireconstruction can vary greatly, and that the list above is neitherintended to be exhaustive, nor inclusive, of every possible materiallayer within a tire.

FIG. 23 illustrates a sectional view of a system 2300 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device 2312 in a tire 2308.

Tire 2308 includes a pair of bead portions 2348, a pair of sidewalls2350, a pair of shoulders 2352, and a tread 2344 that is located in atread region 2355. Tire 2308 includes an inner surface 2354. Tire 2308may include at least one metallic cord 2360, which may be oriented in atleast one of sidewalls 2350.

Each bead portion 2348 includes a bead seat 2348A and a bead heel 2348B.One or more conductive element 2342 may extend along at least part ofone or each bead portion 2348. One or more conductive element 2342 mayoriginate at bead seat 2348A. One or more conductive element 2342 mayoriginate at bead heel 2348B. At or near bead portion 2348, or at ornear sidewall 2350, or at or near shoulder 2352, conductive element 2342pierces inner surface 2354 and extends into the interior of tire 2308(the interior being defined as within the thickness of sidewalls 2350,shoulders 2352, and tread region 2355, and between the inner and outersurfaces of those elements). Conductive element 2342 may pierce into theinterior of tire 2308 and electrically connect to metallic cord 2360.

Metallic cord 2360 may be used in a body ply of certain tires. Forexample, tires designed for high loads, including for example someoff-the-road tires, some or all truck and bus radial tires, and someagricultural tires, may include metallic cords 2360 in body plies oftire 2308.

Metallic cord 2360 may be electrically conductive and may be capable ofcarrying electricity from conductive element 2342 to at least one ofelectricity storage device 2310 and electronic device 2312. Electricitymay pass from metallic cord 2360 into at least one of electricitystorage device 2310 and electronic device 2312 by conductive bridge2356. Conductive bridge 2356 may pass through inner surface 2354 of tire2308 and electrically connect to metallic cord 2360. Conductive bridge2356 may include one or more metallic pin, wire, nail, or the like.Conductive bridge 2356 may be capable of carrying electrical current.

At least one of electricity storage device 2310 and electronic device2312 may include an occlusive barrier 2358 configured to cover at leastone of electricity storage device 2310 and electronic device 2312 andprevent air from inside tire 2308 through the perforation created byconductive bridge 2356. Occlusive barrier 2358 may seal against, and beconnected to, inner surface 2354. Occlusive barrier 2358 may be made ofa butyl rubber compound, which may be specifically designed to preventor reduce the passage of atmospheric air therethrough.

Electricity in excess of that required to power one or more electronicdevice 2312 from electricity storage device 2310 may pass to a groundthrough a ground path 2346 in tread 2344. Ground path 2346 mayelectrically connect to metallic cord 2360. Ground path 2346 maydirectly electrically connect to electronic device 2312. Ground path2346 may directly electrically connect to electricity storage device2310. Ground path 2346, like the conductive elements described herein,may be any variety of materials capable of conducting electricity,including antenna. In one aspect, ground path 2346 is antenna. Theground may be earth, a road surface, or any surface upon which tire 2308operates that is connected to the earth. In operation, tread 2344 oftire 2308 contacts the ground, and ground path 2346 likewise contactsthe ground to permit the transmission of electricity to the ground.Ground path 2346 may extend through the entire thickness of tire 2308 intread region 2355, from inner surface 2354 to a contact patch of tread2344 on an exterior surface of tire 2308.

One or both of electricity storage device 2310 and electronic device2312 may be oriented on inner surface 2354. Alternatively, one or bothof electricity storage device 2310 and electronic device 2312 may beembedded between any of the contiguous layers of material that may makeup tire 2308, during the manufacturing of tire 2308, such layersincluding without limitation: an innerliner, a body ply, a bead filler,a gum strip, a shoulder insert, a belt, a cap ply, a tread, and asidewall ply. It is understood that tire construction can vary greatly,and that the list above is neither intended to be exhaustive, norinclusive, of every possible material layer within a tire.

FIG. 24 illustrates a sectional view of a system 2400 for harvestingenergy for an electronic device 2412 in a tire 2408.

Tire 2408 includes a pair of bead portions 2448, a pair of sidewalls2450, a pair of shoulders 2452, and a tread 2444 that is located in atread region 2455. Tire 2408 includes an inner surface 2454.

Each bead portion 2448 includes a bead seat 2448A and a bead heel 2448B.One or more conductive element 2442 may extend from one or each beadportion 2448, along one or each sidewall 2450, along one or eachshoulder 2452, and into tread region 2455. The one or more conductiveelement 2442 is oriented upon inner surface 2454. Each of the one ormore conductive elements 2442 may originate at each bead seat 2448A.Each of the one or more conductive elements 2442 may originate at one oreach bead heel 2448B, and extend along one or each bead seat 2448A andalong one or each sidewall 2450, and so on until it reaches tread region2455.

System 2400 may include at least one electricity storage device 2410 andat least one electronic device 2412. The at least one conductive element2442 is electrically connected to at least one electricity storagedevice 2410. At least one electricity storage device 2410 iselectrically connected to at least one electronic device 2412. At leastone conductive element 2442 may be electrically connected to at leastone electricity storage device 2410 via a ground path 2446.

Electricity in excess of that required to power one or more electronicdevice 2412 from electricity storage device 2410 may pass to a groundthrough ground path 2446 in tread 2444. Ground path 2446, like theconductive elements described herein, may be any variety of materialscapable of conducting electricity, including antenna. In one aspect,ground path 2446 is antenna. The ground may be earth, a road surface, orany surface upon which tire 2408 operates that is connected to theearth. In operation, tread 2444 of tire 2408 contacts the ground, andground path 2446 likewise contacts the ground to permit the transmissionof electricity to the ground. Ground path 2446 may extend through theentire thickness of tire 2408 in tread region 2455, from inner surface2454 to a contact patch of tread 2444 on an exterior surface of tire2408.

One or both of electricity storage device 2410 and electronic device2412 may be embedded between any of the contiguous layers of materialthat may make up tire 2408, during the manufacturing of tire 2408, suchlayers including without limitation: an innerliner, a body ply, a beadfiller, a gum strip, a shoulder insert, a belt, a cap ply, a tread, anda sidewall ply. That is, one or both of electricity storage device 2410and electronic device 2412 may be oriented within the thickness of tire2408, between inner surface 2454 and an outer surface, such as a contactpatch of tread 2444. One or both of electricity storage device 2410 andelectronic device 2412 may be oriented in a variety of points withintire 2408 that do not compromise the structural integrity of tire 2408,as long as one or both of electricity storage device 2410 and electronicdevice 2412 are electrically connected to at least one conductiveelement 2442 and ground path 2446. It is understood that tireconstruction can vary greatly, and that the list above is neitherintended to be exhaustive, nor inclusive, of every possible materiallayer within a tire.

Any of the tire treads described herein may largely comprise anonconductive material, such as silica, which typically has a higherelectrical resistance than other rubber elements in a tire. This isbecause tire treads are designed for specific purposes within theentirety of the tire, and the materials most commonly used for the tiretread are nonconductive and have high electrical resistance.

Generally, nonconductive tire materials are those comprising anelectrical resistivity that prevents discharge of built up electricityin a vehicle at a rate sufficient to avoid negative effects ofelectricity build up in the vehicle. In one embodiment, nonconductivematerials are materials comprising an electrical resistivity of about10¹¹ Ω·cm or greater. In another embodiment, nonconductive materials arematerials comprising an electrical resistivity of about 10⁹ Ω·cm orgreater.

Generally, conductive tire materials are those comprising an electricalresistivity that permits discharge of built up electricity in a vehicleat a rate sufficient to avoid negative effects of electricity build upin the vehicle. These conductive materials may be rubber or polymermaterials used for any of the conductive elements (e.g., conductiveelements 1542, 1842, 1942, 2042, 2142, 2242, 2342, and 2442), any of theground paths (e.g., ground paths 1646, 2046, 2146, 2246, 2346, and2446). These conductive materials may be rubber or polymer materialsreferred to herein as “antenna.”

Any of the ground paths, (e.g., ground paths 1646, 2046, 2146, 2246,2346, and 2446) may be oriented at one or more specific circumferentialpoint in the tread (e.g., at a point radially outwardly from anelectronic device), or may be oriented circumferentially about theentirety of the tread.

As used herein, the inner surface of the tire refers to that surface ofthe tire that is radially-inwardly facing, axially-inwardly facing, orboth.

In one embodiment, conductive materials are materials comprising anelectrical resistivity of about 10⁹ Ω·cm or less. In another embodiment,conductive materials are materials comprising an electrical resistivityof about 10⁸ Ω·cm or less. In another embodiment, conductive materialsare materials comprising an electrical resistivity of about 10⁶ Ω·cm orless. In another embodiment, conductive materials are materialscomprising an electrical resistivity of between about 10⁵ Ω·cm and about10⁹ Ω·cm. In another embodiment, conductive materials are materialscomprising an electrical resistivity of between about 10⁵ Ω·cm and about10⁸ Ω·cm. In another embodiment, conductive materials are materialscomprising an electrical resistivity of between about 10⁵ Ω·cm and about10⁶ Ω·cm. It is understood that where larger (from a volume standpoint)conductive materials are used, those conductive materials may be able tohave a greater resistivity and achieve the desired transfer ofelectricity, whereas smaller conductive materials may require lesserresistivity to achieve the desired transfer of electricity.

In one embodiment, electrical resistivity of conductive andnonconductive materials is determined using a volume resistivity test.In another embodiment, electrical resistivity of conductive andnonconductive materials is determined using an ASTM D991 test.

In another embodiment, electrical resistivity of conductive andnonconductive materials may be determined using a test including aprobe, a test fixture, a resistance/current meter, a thermo-hygrometer,and a thickness gauge capable of reading to 0.001 inches (0.0254 mm). Atest sample of a conductive or nonconductive material may havedimensions of about 6.0 inches (152.40 mm) by 6.0 inches (152.40 mm), by0.1 inch (2.5400 mm). The test sample's thickness may be measured to thenearest 0.001 inch (0.0254 mm) in two places, which may be about 2.0inches (50.800 mm) from the test sample's edge, along a line bisectingthe test sample. The test sample's edges referenced in the measurementof thickness may be adjacent to one another and approximately 90 degreesto one another. The test sample is laid on a table for at least 1.0 hourat room temperature prior to taking resistivity measurements. The testsample may be oriented in the test apparatus such that the test sample'sedge is aligned with the edge of a conductive plate, which conductiveplate is connected via a probe to the resistance meter, all of which isbelow the test sample. The remaining three sides of the test sample mayhang over the edges of the conductive plate evenly. A second probe maybe connected to an input of the resistance meter, and may be placed onthe top of the test sample, such that it is approximately on center withthe conductive plate oriented beneath the test sample. Followingplacement of the test sample and probes in the test fixture, electricalresistivity may be measured via the resistance meter. In one embodiment,the probe and test fixture are verified prior to testing a test sample'sresistivity.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extentthat the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B butnot both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not theexclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into”are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term“substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it isintended to take into consideration the degree of precision available intire manufacturing. To the extent that the term “selectively” is used inthe specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a conditionof a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate ordeactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary ordesired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term“operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims, itis intended to mean that the identified components are connected in away to perform a designated function. As used in the specification andthe claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural.Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, itis intended to include ±10% of the number. In other words, “about 10”may mean from 9 to 11.

As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated bythe description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments havebeen described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of thepresent application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects,is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, orany apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details,examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for powering an electronic device withina vehicle tire, comprising: an electrical energy generator electricallyconnected to an electrically conductive vehicle wheel, the vehicle tirebeing mounted upon the vehicle wheel; the vehicle tire including a pairof bead portions, a pair of sidewalls, a pair of shoulders, a treadoriented in a tread region, an inner surface, and a metallic cordoriented within an interior of the tire; at least one conductive elementextending from at least one of the pair of bead portions and piercinginto the interior of the tire and electrically connecting to themetallic cord; at least one electronic device within the vehicle tire;and at least one ground path extending through a thickness of thevehicle tire from the inner surface to an exterior surface in a contactpatch of the tread; and wherein the at least one electronic device iselectrically connected to the metallic cord and the at least one groundpath.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electricitystorage device electrically connected to the metallic cord and the atleast one ground path.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the electricitystorage device is at least one of a battery and a capacitor.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a sensor.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one conductive element is atleast one of an electrical wire capable of carrying a current, and aconductive rubber material capable of carrying a current.
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein the at least one conductive element is a conductiverubber material oriented in a strip, extending radially from at leastone of the pair of bead portions, in contact with the inner surface, andterminating at the metallic cord.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein theat least one conductive element is a conductive rubber antenna material.8. The system of claim 1, wherein the ground path contacts the groundduring rolling operation of the tire.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe metallic cord is a metallic body ply cord.
 10. The system of claim1, wherein the electronic device is in contact with the inner surface ofthe vehicle tire, and further comprising a conductive bridge passingthrough the inner surface of the vehicle tire and electricallyconnecting the metallic cord to the electronic device.
 11. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the electronic device is in contact with the innersurface of the vehicle tire, further comprising an occlusive barriercovering the electricity storage device, the occlusive barrier connectedto the inner surface.
 12. A vehicle tire with an electronic deviceoriented on its inner surface, comprising: a pair of bead portions, apair of sidewalls, a pair of shoulders, a tread oriented in a treadregion, an inner surface, and a metallic cord oriented within aninterior of the tire; at least one conductive element extending from atleast one of the pair of bead portions and piercing into the interior ofthe tire and electrically connecting to the metallic cord; at least oneelectronic device within the vehicle tire; and at least one ground pathextending through a thickness of the vehicle tire from the inner surfaceto an exterior surface in a contact patch of the tread; and wherein theat least one electronic device is electrically connected to the metalliccord and the at least one ground path.
 13. The vehicle tire of claim 12,further comprising an electricity storage device electrically connectedto the metallic cord and the at least one ground path.
 14. The vehicletire of claim 12, wherein the at least one conductive element is atleast one of an electrical wire capable of carrying a current, and aconductive rubber material capable of carrying a current.
 15. Thevehicle tire of claim 12, wherein the at least one conductive element isa conductive rubber material oriented in a strip, extending radiallyfrom at least one of the pair of bead portions, in contact with theinner surface, and terminating at the metallic cord.
 16. The vehicletire of claim 12, wherein the at least one conductive element is aconductive rubber antenna material.
 17. The vehicle tire of claim 12,wherein the ground path contacts the ground during rolling operation ofthe tire.
 18. The vehicle tire of claim 12, wherein the metallic cord isa metallic body ply cord.
 19. The vehicle tire of claim 12, wherein theelectronic device is in contact with the inner surface of the vehicletire, and further comprising a conductive bridge passing through theinner surface of the vehicle tire and electrically connecting themetallic cord to the electronic device.
 20. The vehicle tire of claim12, wherein the electronic device is in contact with the inner surfaceof the vehicle tire, and further comprising an occlusive barriercovering the electricity storage device, the occlusive barrier connectedto the inner surface.